My bantie is struggling and flexing her body trying to breathe - that's what it looks like anyway. With each breath, she stretchs her neck and opens her mouth up. The only changes are that she went outside for the first time 3 days ago but only pecked at the ground and ate a few stems of grass - nothing had chemicals on it. Also - this is what I'm worried about - we brought in an old old (40 - 50 years old) bale of straw and when I broke it open (in the room with the chicken) there was so much dust - it was as if it almost exploded with dust. That was 4 days ago but I've been using that straw and it's always more dusty to break apart - not as bad as that first day, but still dustier than regular straw. My chicken has been acting sick, flexing her body with each breath, not eating, just sitting/sleeping and looking fluffed up/puffed up for 2 days now. I don't think she will make it because she is now keeping her eyes shut.... But I do want to know why so it doesn't happen again.
2007-03-27 07:14:54 · 4 answers · asked by totrisha 2 in Pets ➔ Birds
Please do not answer just to hurt my feelings and/or be a jerk. We are cattle ranchers and have just started with chickens. As far as where do you get a 50 year old bale of straw - from a hay loft.... I appreciate so much the answer about the dust etc - that's what I wanted to know - our geese have done fine with this old hay (that we used because there are dozens of bales of it & we did not know it would hurt the chickens - obviously....) for two years. Thanks!
2007-03-27 14:32:24 · update #1
50 year old straw??????? First of all large amounts of dust are not a friend to a chicken.If you are still using this straw I would stop take it outside and burn it.Put your chicken in an area of clean air she probably has a type of pneumonia.Yes chickens and many birds can get a type of pneumonia from dust.keep the chicken warm clean and water available.I hope she makes it.But as a future note.Never use any type of straw or hay with an over abundance of dust in it nor should you use it if it has any mold.Cedar shavings is one of the best bedding and nesting materials and very cheap.
2007-03-27 09:20:21 · answer #1 · answered by ddstantlerstill 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm amazed you have 40-50 yr old hay just laying around. And even thought twice about breaking it open and using it. If you need 10 dollars to buy a new sm sq bail let me know and I'll send it to you..lol
2007-03-27 08:32:11 · answer #2 · answered by texas_angel_wattitude 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
I agree with ddstantl.PLEASE PICK ddstantl.
2007-03-27 10:26:59 · answer #3 · answered by Wendy N 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Give it mouth to mouth
2007-03-27 07:18:09 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 4⤋